We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Lyme disease treatment

Summary

Deputy Healy-Rae raised complaints from people with Lyme disease who protested outside Leinster House, saying they were not being treated fairly. The Taoiseach said the Health Minister and HSE would respond and described the illness as serious.

I wish the Taoiseach and his wife and family all the best for the future. We will still look forward to seeing him around Rathanane, Kilcummin and Killarney. While the Taoiseach did not answer every question I asked him, he was a master of answering other questions besides the ones he was asked. We have five Ministers in the Department of Health. A group of people protested outside the gates of Leinster House yesterday to say they are not being treated fairly or being treated at all. They are people presenting with Lyme disease. This disease is becoming more prevalent, in particular in County Kerry because of the considerable number of deer there. These people are saying that they can only get treatment for this disease in Germany and the US and that in respect of blood tests taken here, the system does not recognise it or it does not show up in the testing done here, which is very wrong. These people, who are Irish people, need this problem to be addressed.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

We have had some conversations at the Cabinet sub-committee on various viruses and their outcomes. I will get the Minister for Health and the HSE to respond to the Deputy on this matter. I am not sure whether the incidence in County Kerry is any higher than in any other county but it is a very serious ailment and a challenge for a person when they are so afflicted.

Comment on this

That concludes Questions on Promised Legislation. My apologies to the seven Deputies who were not reached because other Deputies took more time.

Comment on this